Christmas is coming and it is the perfect time for job seekers to pocket some extra cash as major firms in the town take on more than 3,000 people for the festive period.

Boots is looking to hire more than 2,000 temporary people from now with the Gi Group dealing with recruiting the staff. The new workers will help deal with the Christmas rush as shoppers flock to get that perfect gift for their loved ones.

Argos is also looking to take on 10,000 temporary workers across the country with 1,700 jobs in the Midlands.

The Argos Distribution Centre, in Barton under Needwood, is hiring over Christmas

Boots is recruiting warehouse operatives, warehouse admin staff and forklift truck drivers who will receive full training as they set out to work on the busy factory floor.

There is a variety of shifts on offer including 12 hours, nights and days rotation and part-time positions with pay rates from £8 to £9.90 an hour.

Last year's Christmas recruitment drive led to some people who were taken on in temporary positions becoming permanent staff with the prestigious retail giant.

The Gi Group is a large recruitment agency in the Burton area and, along with Boots, is an equal opportunities employer.

The roles come with a staff rewards scheme via its employee of the month programme and a mobile staff shop which comes to the site. There is also an apprentice scheme on the site after an employee has completed 12 weeks service.

A spokesman said: "We are working alongside job centres and work programme providers locally."

In previous years, the festive jobs drive has been a great success and seen unemployed people get back in to work and help pay for their Christmas.

Anyone interested in the positions is asked to call Gi Group Recruitment on 07557 235788 or AM2PM on 01283 807819.

Argos, which has stores in Station Street, Burton, and The Pipeworks, Swadlincote, as well as a distribution centre in Barton under Needwood, is taking on more than 10,000 temporary workers across the country to cope with the annual surge in business over the festive season across the country with 1,700 in the Midlands.

This includes around 9,800 customer advisers and stock assistants who will be hired at 800 Argos stores to meet customer demand for toys, electrical goods, video games, jewellery and other popular Christmas gifts.

The company is also seeking around 1,000 drivers for its door delivery service.

Recruits will be offered a minimum of 10 hours a week, with the potential for some roles to become permanent at the end of the season.

Steve Carson, director of retail and customer operations at Argos, said: "Christmas is an extremely busy and exciting time of year for Argos with millions of customers visiting our stores over the festive season.

Argos is hiring 10,000 people for Christmas across the country.

"We're looking for enthusiastic, friendly and flexible people to deliver the personal service we are known for, whether customers are shopping in-store or buying online for home delivery.

"Many in the past have gone on to develop their career with us and progress to run a team, department or even store, helping to drive sales and deliver great customer service."

Looking for a job? There are thousands available at www.Fish4.co.uk